Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s (NOVEC’s) Electric Distribution System Automation Program deployed digital devices to expand automation and control systems to cover a majority of NOVEC’s substations and distribution circuits. The project also deployed a new communications network to complement the
distribution system upgrades, enabling more precise monitoring and management of grid operations. The project’s primary purpose was to accelerate the deployment of digital technologies to NOVEC’s substation and distribution line automation program to improve system efficiencies, reduce line losses, and enhance situational awareness of critical components on the system. NOVEC also aimed to achieve overall reliability improvements and lower operating costs.